Composite closure with outer gripping layer

ABSTRACT

A composite closure for an associated container is configured to facilitate gripping and manipulation by consumers, as well as handling of closures by automated equipment. The closure includes an inner closure cap, and an outer gripping layer which is applied to at least the periphery of a skirt portion of the closure cap. Notably, the closure cap includes at least one outwardly projecting element which projects to at least the surface of the outer gripping layer. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of projecting elements are provided in the form of annular elements which project beyond the surface of the outer gripping layer along respective margins thereof, thus facilitating handling by automated equipment. In another aspect of the invention, the projecting portion comprises graphical elements which extend through the outer gripping layer for enhanced gripping and visual appeal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a molded plastic closure, and more particularly to a composite closure comprising an internally threaded closure cap, and an associated, integral outer gripping layer, wherein the closure is configured for enhanced gripping and manipulation by consumers, while facilitating handling by automated equipment, and further, while avoiding undesirable damage to the relatively soft, outer gripping layer. Enhanced visual appeal is achieved by portions of the closure cap, in the form of graphical elements, projecting through the outer gripping layer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Molded plastic closures have found widespread applicability in the market for packaging of all manner of food products and beverages. Such closures typically have a generally cylindrical configuration, including a top wall portion and a depending annular skirt portion. The sealing capabilities of such closures can be enhanced by the provision of sealing liners or like components for sealing engagement with an associated container.

Naturally, easy and convenient use of such closures by consumers is of paramount concern, and accordingly, molded plastic closures typically include features on the exterior thereof, such as gripping ribs or the like, to facilitate gripping and manipulation by consumers. However, features of such closures which further facilitate consumer use desirably enhance versatile application of such products.

The present invention is directed to a composite closure construction configured for enhanced gripping and manipulation by consumers. At the same time, the closure is configured to facilitate handling by automated equipment, and also is configured to minimize damage to the closure which can otherwise occur attendant to normal handling, storage, and shipment of such closures. The closure is desirably configured for enhanced aesthetic presentation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a composite closure having an integral outer gripping layer of relatively pliable plastic material to facilitate enhanced gripping and manipulation of the closure by consumers. Notably, the outer gripping layer extends at least about the periphery of a skirt portion of the closure, thus greatly facilitating removal of the closure from an associated threaded container or the like. Notably, the closure is configured for enhanced presentation of graphical elements, which extend through the outer gripping layer, with the closure further including specifically provided features to facilitate handling of the composite closures by automated equipment, while avoiding damage to the closures attendant to normal packaging, storage, and shipment.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the present composite closure includes a molded closure cap having a top wall portion, and a depending, internally threaded, annular skirt portion. In accordance with the present invention, the closure further includes an outer gripping layer applied to at least an outer periphery of the skirt portion of the closure cap. The outer gripping layer, which can be formed by over-molding on the closure cap, or by co-injection molding as is known in the art, is desirably formed from plastic material which is relatively soft, and thus provides the closure with a peripheral surface which is readily and easily gripped and manipulated by consumers.

Further in accordance with the present invention, the closure cap of the present composite closure includes at least one projecting portion which extends to at least the surface of the outer gripping layer. In one aspect of the present invention, the projecting portion extends through the outer gripping layer, and is configured in the form of one or more graphical elements which project through, and are visibly distinct generally within the outer gripping layer. Configuring the closure cap and outer gripping layer from suitably contrasting colors enhances the aesthetic appeal of the graphical elements. Disposition of the graphical elements so as to extend generally through the outer gripping layer further facilitates gripping and manipulation of the composite closure.

In another aspect of the present invention, the projecting portion of the closure cap extends beyond the outer gripping layer, with the projecting portion thus desirably acting to facilitate handling of the closure by automated equipment. In particular, because the outer gripping layer can exhibit a relatively high coefficient of friction, or “tackiness”, the layer can undesirably impede feeding and/or transport of closures by automated equipment. The projecting portion of the closure cap, by virtue of extending beyond the outer gripping layer, desirably provides a sliding surface for engagement with handling equipment, while avoiding disruption that can otherwise occur as the relatively soft, outer gripping layer engages the equipment. Moreover, the integrity and appearance of the gripping layer is desirably maintained.

In one form, the projecting portion comprises an annular element which projects outwardly from the free edge of the skirt portion of the closure cap. The projecting portion may be also provided in the form of an annular element which projects upwardly from the top wall portion of the closure cap, again, beyond the surface of the outer gripping layer. Preferably, annular projecting portions are provided in both forms, i.e., projecting from the skirt portion and the top wall portion, generally along respective margins of the gripping layer.

In order to avoid undesirable damage, such as scratching or nicking, to the relatively soft, outer gripping layer, the present composite closure preferably includes an inner free edge of the skirt portion which defines a radius which is sufficient to avoid damage to the outer gripping layer of other like ones of the composite closures during handling. This radius is preferably provided and arranged from about 0.050 inches to about 0.090 inches, most preferably about 0.070 inches.

Manufacture of the present composite closure, including projecting portions in the form of graphical elements on the outer periphery of the skirt portion, is facilitated by configuring and positioning the graphical elements in a preferred form with respect to a mold parting line defined by the closure. As will be recognized by those familiar with the art, the exterior of the closure cap of the composite closure of the present invention can be efficiently formed by a two-part mold, with the closure defining a mold parting line at which the mold portions mate. To facilitate molding of the graphical elements of the present closure, while enhancing their visual appeal, side surfaces of the graphical elements are preferably configured to extend perpendicularly to the mold parting line.

Manufacture is further facilitated by providing the graphical elements in first and second groups, with the groups arranged in diametrically opposed relationship. Preferably, each group of graphical elements is positioned within a respective quadrant of the closure, with each one of the quadrants positioned a right angle with respect to the mold parting line defined by the closure.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a composite closure embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a closure cap of the present composite closure;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the composite closure of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the closure cap of the present closure;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view, in partial cross-section, of the present closure; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of composite closures configured in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, a presently preferred embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

With reference to the drawings, therein is illustrated a composite closure 10 embodying the principles of the present invention. Composite closure 10 includes a molded plastic closure cap 12, and an outer gripping layer 14 of relatively soft material which is applied to at least an outer periphery of the closure cap 12. Closure cap 12 can be efficiently formed from polypropylene or polyethylene, while outer gripping layer 14 is preferably formed from relatively soft, thermoplastic elastomeric material.

Closure cap 12 is preferably of unitary, one-piece construction, and includes a top wall portion 16, and an annular, depending skirt portion 18 having an internal thread formation 20.

In order to enhance gripping and manipulation of closure 10 by consumers, the outer gripping layer 14 preferably extends at least generally along the height of skirt portion 18. Because the outer gripping layer 14 typically exhibits a relatively high frictional coefficient, in comparison to the closure cap 12, the closure cap 12 includes at least one projecting portion which extends at least to the surface of the outer gripping layer 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, two such projecting elements are provided which extend beyond the surface of the outer gripping layer, and desirably act to facilitate handling of closures by automated equipment, by providing sliding surfaces for contact with the equipment, while avoiding contact with the outer gripping layer.

In particular, an outwardly-projecting annular element 22 is provided at the free edge of skirt portion 14, with annular element 22 projecting beyond the outer surface of outer gripping layer 14. In a presently preferred form, another outwardly projecting element is provided in the form of annular projection 24 which projects outwardly from the top wall portion 16 of the closure cap, again, beyond the outer surface of outer gripping layer 14. Thus, the annular projecting element 22 and 24 are positioned along respective margins of the gripping layer 14.

Notably, the free edge of the skirt portion 18 is preferably configured so as to minimize damage to the outer gripping layer 14, which can otherwise occur attendant to storage and transport of closures. In particular, the relatively soft, outer gripping layer 14 can be subject to scratching, abrasion, or other damage in the event that the outer gripping layer of one closure contacts the relatively hard closure cap 12 of another one of the closures, such as during storage or handling (see diagrammatic view of FIG. 6).

To this end, the inner free edge of the skirt portion 18 defines a radius, at R, which is sufficient to avoid damage to the outer gripping layer of other like ones of the composite closures during handling. This radius is illustrated in FIG. 5, with the radius preferably being from about 0.050 inches to about 0.090 inches, with a current embodiment of the present closure having a radius of about 0.070 inches. Scuffing, abrasion, or other damage to the outer gripping layer of other like composite closures is desirably avoided.

While projecting portions of the closure cap 12 of the present closure are preferably provided to facilitate handling by automated equipment, another aspect of the present invention contemplates that one or more projecting portions be provided in the form of graphical elements which extend outwardly from the skirt portion 18 of the closure cap through the outer gripping layer 14. To this end, the closure cap includes outwardly projecting portions in the form of graphical elements 26 which project through the outer gripping layer 14 and are preferably coextensive with the outer surface of the outer gripping layer. The colors of the closure cap 12 and outer gripping layer 14 are preferably selected to be suitably contrasting, whereby the graphical elements 26 are not only aesthetically pleasing, but can further desirably function to alert consumers to the presence of the outer gripping layer to facilitate closure manipulation.

FIG. 4 illustrates features of closure cap 12 which facilitate manufacture of the present composite closure. In particular, the exterior of closure cap 12 can be efficiently formed by a two-part mold, wherein the mold components mate with each other along a mold parting line, designated PL, defined by the closure. Preferably, the graphical elements 26 define side surfaces which extend perpendicularly to the mold parting line, thus facilitating efficient closure manufacture. Manufacture is further facilitated by providing the graphical elements 26 in first and second, diametrically opposed groups, wherein each group of the graphical elements is positioned substantially within a respective quadrant (i.e., 90 degree segment) of the closure, designated Q₁ and Q₂ in the illustrated embodiment. As will be observed, each of the quadrants Q₁, Q₂, are perpendicular to the parting line PL defined by the closure, whereby manufacture is further facilitated.

As illustrated, graphical elements 26 are preferably each provided with an open configuration, that is, there are no regions of the graphical elements which would otherwise be closed to the flow of the plastic material from which outer gripping layer 14 is formed (note the open configuration of the letters “R” and “P” in the illustrated embodiment). By this arrangement, the outer gripping layer contacts all side surfaces of each of the graphical elements 26.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiment illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. 

1. A composite closure, comprising: a closure cap having a top wall portion, and an annular, internally threaded depending skirt portion; and an outer gripping layer applied to at least an outer periphery of said skirt portion, said closure cap including at least one projecting portion of said cap that extends to at least the surface of said outer gripping layer.
 2. A composite closure in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said projecting portion projects radially outwardly from said skirt portion.
 3. A composite closure in accordance with claim 2, wherein: said projecting portion is annular, and extends beyond the surface of said outer gripping layer.
 4. A composite closure in accordance with claim 3, wherein: said projecting portion projects outwardly from a free edge of said skirt portion.
 5. A composite closure in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said projecting portion projects upwardly from said top wall portion beyond the surface of said outer gripping layer.
 6. A composite closure in accordance with claim 5, wherein: said projecting portion is annular.
 7. A composite closure in accordance with claim 3, wherein: said closure cap includes another one of said projecting portions that is annular and projects upwardly from said top wall portion beyond the surface of said outer gripping layer.
 8. A composite closure in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said projecting portion projects through said outer gripping layer.
 9. A composite closure in accordance with claim 8, wherein: said projecting portion comprises one or more graphical elements each having an open configuration so that said outer gripping layer contacts all side surfaces of each graphical element.
 10. A composite closure in accordance with claim 8, wherein: said projecting portion comprises one or more graphical elements each having side surfaces that extend perpendicularly to a mold parting line defined by said closure.
 11. A composite closure in accordance with claim 8, wherein: said closure cap includes a plurality of said projecting portions in diametrically opposed relationship, and each comprising one or more graphical elements, wherein the graphical elements of each projecting portion are positioned within a respective quadrant of said closure, with each one of said quadrants positioned at a right angle with respect to a mold parting line defined by said closure.
 12. A composite closure in accordance with claim 1, wherein: an inner free edge of said skirt portion defines a radius which is sufficient to avoid damage to the outer gripping layer of other like ones of said composite closure during handling.
 13. A composite closure in accordance with claim 12, wherein: said radius is from about 0.050 inches to about 0.090 inches.
 14. A composite closure in accordance with claim 13, wherein: said radius is about 0.070 inches.
 15. A composite closure, comprising: a closure cap having a top wall portion, and an annular, internally threaded depending skirt portion; and an outer gripping layer applied to at least an outer periphery of said skirt portion, said closure cap including a plurality of projecting portions that extend at least to the surface of said outer gripping layer, including an annular projecting portion projecting radially outwardly from a free edge of said skirt portion, and another annular projecting portion extending upwardly from said top wall portion, said projecting portions being positioned along respective margins of said gripping layer and facilitating handling of the composite closure.
 16. A composite closure in accordance with claim 15, wherein: said closure cap includes a plurality of graphical elements that project radially outwardly of said skirt portion through said outer gripping layer.
 17. A composite closure in accordance with claim 16, wherein: said graphical elements each have an open configuration so that said outer gripping layer contacts all side surfaces of each of said graphical elements.
 18. A composite closure in accordance with claim 13, wherein: said graphical elements are arranged in first and second groups, wherein each group is positioned within a respective quadrant of said closure, with each one of said quadrants being positioned at a right angle to a mold parting line defined by said closure.
 19. A composite closure in accordance with claim 18, wherein: side surfaces of said graphical elements extend perpendicularly to said mold parting line.
 20. A composite closure in accordance with claim 15, wherein: an inner free edge of said skirt portion defines a radius from about 0.050 inches to about 0.090 inches to avoid damage to the outer gripping layer of other like ones of said composite closure during handling.
 21. A composite closure in accordance with claim 20, wherein: said radius is about 0.070 inches. 